Buying new truck - opinions on what to look for?
#1
Buying new truck - opinions on what to look for?
Hey all! First time poster, be kind to me!
Looking to pick up a 92 SR5 4x4 automatic with 3VZ-E engine. Truck has 156k on the clock. It was originally a California car, was shipped over to Japan at some point and was recently brought back to the US. Truck has a few minor mods as well as 37 inch tires / 22 inch rims that were mounted along with like a 6 inch body lift.
I checked it out the other day but I'm wondering about a few things. The truck ran well and seemed to shift ok but didn't have much pickup. I hear these engines can be dogs, and with the 37s on there, maybe that's adding to the sluggish nature? It doesn't run rough or stutter or anything, just lacks acceleration. I was wondering if maybe the gearing was changed at some point or if it's just the large wheels / tires bringing down the power.
Also, the engine sounded smooth, but a little chattery underneath, couldn't tell where the noises was coming from. Should they be pretty quiet if they are healthy? Body and frame are super solid. A/C doesn't work either, button light comes on but no compressor action. What could I look for regarding that?
Any tips for me if I decide to check it out again in person before making a decision? Maybe have him throw on some normal wheels/tires to see what that feels like? Any signs to look for regarding a unhealthy engine / transmission? It's about 1hr 15 min from me so I'd like to be more thorough the next time I go.
Thanks!
Looking to pick up a 92 SR5 4x4 automatic with 3VZ-E engine. Truck has 156k on the clock. It was originally a California car, was shipped over to Japan at some point and was recently brought back to the US. Truck has a few minor mods as well as 37 inch tires / 22 inch rims that were mounted along with like a 6 inch body lift.
I checked it out the other day but I'm wondering about a few things. The truck ran well and seemed to shift ok but didn't have much pickup. I hear these engines can be dogs, and with the 37s on there, maybe that's adding to the sluggish nature? It doesn't run rough or stutter or anything, just lacks acceleration. I was wondering if maybe the gearing was changed at some point or if it's just the large wheels / tires bringing down the power.
Also, the engine sounded smooth, but a little chattery underneath, couldn't tell where the noises was coming from. Should they be pretty quiet if they are healthy? Body and frame are super solid. A/C doesn't work either, button light comes on but no compressor action. What could I look for regarding that?
Any tips for me if I decide to check it out again in person before making a decision? Maybe have him throw on some normal wheels/tires to see what that feels like? Any signs to look for regarding a unhealthy engine / transmission? It's about 1hr 15 min from me so I'd like to be more thorough the next time I go.
Thanks!
#2
Registered User
Maybe slow because the differential gears were NOT changed to accommodate the 37's
Those tires would want 4.88 0r even lower ratio.gears to make a 3vz drivable. (higher numbers)
This truck is more than 30 years old and any decision you make should be a balance between purchase price and your commitment to repair and replace stuff long term.
Have you got the resources and skills to do substantial work yourself???
Those tires would want 4.88 0r even lower ratio.gears to make a 3vz drivable. (higher numbers)
This truck is more than 30 years old and any decision you make should be a balance between purchase price and your commitment to repair and replace stuff long term.
Have you got the resources and skills to do substantial work yourself???
#3
YT Community Team
I'd think a 1992 with 37" tires would have horrible acceleration.
Not much you can do about the AC. You'll just have to assume it's flat from no freon in the system and it shut itself down. Most likely it'll need to be recharged, then inspected to see where it leaked out.
The engine was much smoother and quieter at idle than the 22R#. It didn't "chatter".
Maybe go by the local Toyota dealership and see if they have a Master Tech that's been there 20+ years(more common than you think) and see if they could do a buyer's inspection. Buyer's inspections aren't intended to diagnose a litany of problems. They simply point out items that need to be addressed or concerns you need to be made aware of. So, they should point out the AC isn't working, but they're not going to diagnose the cause unless you authorize an additional charge. But asking the tech if certain things you've noticed are normal for that engine(which is why you want the senior tech) should be fine.
37" tires and a 6" lift IN Japan. That's hysterical.
Not much you can do about the AC. You'll just have to assume it's flat from no freon in the system and it shut itself down. Most likely it'll need to be recharged, then inspected to see where it leaked out.
The engine was much smoother and quieter at idle than the 22R#. It didn't "chatter".
Maybe go by the local Toyota dealership and see if they have a Master Tech that's been there 20+ years(more common than you think) and see if they could do a buyer's inspection. Buyer's inspections aren't intended to diagnose a litany of problems. They simply point out items that need to be addressed or concerns you need to be made aware of. So, they should point out the AC isn't working, but they're not going to diagnose the cause unless you authorize an additional charge. But asking the tech if certain things you've noticed are normal for that engine(which is why you want the senior tech) should be fine.
37" tires and a 6" lift IN Japan. That's hysterical.
Last edited by Jimkola; 05-24-2023 at 06:30 AM.
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old87yota (05-24-2023)
#4
Registered User
If you're looking for a project- that's one thing, if you're looking for a DD...I'd try looking newer. My only recommendation is figure out a plan for baseline maintenance ie: filters, brakes, oil, grounds, etc as then you will have a baseline of where the truck is. Also try to find a truck that all the mods needed already done- way cheaper, for example changing gears. NOT a fan of those autos.
Last edited by davefarr; 06-04-2023 at 09:34 AM.
#5
Hey all! First time poster, be kind to me!
Looking to pick up a 92 SR5 4x4 automatic with 3VZ-E engine. Truck has 156k on the clock. It was originally a California car, was shipped over to Japan at some point and was recently brought back to the US. Truck has a few minor mods as well as 37 inch tires / 22 inch rims that were mounted along with like a 6 inch body lift.
I checked it out the other day but I'm wondering about a few things. The truck ran well and seemed to shift ok but didn't have much pickup. I hear these engines can be dogs, and with the 37s on there, maybe that's adding to the sluggish nature? It doesn't run rough or stutter or anything, just lacks acceleration. I was wondering if maybe the gearing was changed at some point or if it's just the large wheels / tires bringing down the power.
Also, the engine sounded smooth, but a little chattery underneath, couldn't tell where the noises was coming from. Should they be pretty quiet if they are healthy? Body and frame are super solid. A/C doesn't work either, button light comes on but no compressor action. What could I look for regarding that?
Any tips for me if I decide to check it out again in person before making a decision? Maybe have him throw on some normal wheels/tires to see what that feels like? Any signs to look for regarding a unhealthy engine / transmission? It's about 1hr 15 min from me so I'd like to be more thorough the next time I go.
Thanks!
Looking to pick up a 92 SR5 4x4 automatic with 3VZ-E engine. Truck has 156k on the clock. It was originally a California car, was shipped over to Japan at some point and was recently brought back to the US. Truck has a few minor mods as well as 37 inch tires / 22 inch rims that were mounted along with like a 6 inch body lift.
I checked it out the other day but I'm wondering about a few things. The truck ran well and seemed to shift ok but didn't have much pickup. I hear these engines can be dogs, and with the 37s on there, maybe that's adding to the sluggish nature? It doesn't run rough or stutter or anything, just lacks acceleration. I was wondering if maybe the gearing was changed at some point or if it's just the large wheels / tires bringing down the power.
Spoiler
Any tips for me if I decide to check it out again in person before making a decision? Maybe have him throw on some normal wheels/tires to see what that feels like? Any signs to look for regarding a unhealthy engine / transmission? It's about 1hr 15 min from me so I'd like to be more thorough the next time I go.
Thanks!
Last edited by LaurenceHale; 06-22-2023 at 09:43 PM.
#6
Maybe slow because the differential gears were NOT changed to accommodate the 37's
Those tires would want 4.88 0r even lower ratio.gears to make a 3vz drivable. (higher numbers)
This truck is more than 30 years old and any decision you make should be a balance between purchase price and your commitment to repair and replace stuff long term.
Have you got the resources and skills to do substantial work yourself???
Those tires would want 4.88 0r even lower ratio.gears to make a 3vz drivable. (higher numbers)
This truck is more than 30 years old and any decision you make should be a balance between purchase price and your commitment to repair and replace stuff long term.
Have you got the resources and skills to do substantial work yourself???
I'd think a 1992 with 37" tires would have horrible acceleration.
Not much you can do about the AC. You'll just have to assume it's flat from no freon in the system and it shut itself down. Most likely it'll need to be recharged, then inspected to see where it leaked out.
The engine was much smoother and quieter at idle than the 22R#. It didn't "chatter".
Maybe go by the local Toyota dealership and see if they have a Master Tech that's been there 20+ years(more common than you think) and see if they could do a buyer's inspection. Buyer's inspections aren't intended to diagnose a litany of problems. They simply point out items that need to be addressed or concerns you need to be made aware of. So, they should point out the AC isn't working, but they're not going to diagnose the cause unless you authorize an additional charge. But asking the tech if certain things you've noticed are normal for that engine(which is why you want the senior tech) should be fine.
37" tires and a 6" lift IN Japan. That's hysterical.
Not much you can do about the AC. You'll just have to assume it's flat from no freon in the system and it shut itself down. Most likely it'll need to be recharged, then inspected to see where it leaked out.
The engine was much smoother and quieter at idle than the 22R#. It didn't "chatter".
Maybe go by the local Toyota dealership and see if they have a Master Tech that's been there 20+ years(more common than you think) and see if they could do a buyer's inspection. Buyer's inspections aren't intended to diagnose a litany of problems. They simply point out items that need to be addressed or concerns you need to be made aware of. So, they should point out the AC isn't working, but they're not going to diagnose the cause unless you authorize an additional charge. But asking the tech if certain things you've noticed are normal for that engine(which is why you want the senior tech) should be fine.
37" tires and a 6" lift IN Japan. That's hysterical.
If you're looking for a project- that's one thing, if you're looking for a DD...I'd try looking newer. My only recommendation is figure out a plan for baseline maintenance ie: filters, brakes, oil, grounds, etc as then you will have a baseline of where the truck is. Also try to find a truck that all the mods needed already done- way cheaper, for example changing gears. NOT a fan of those autos.
I did, just haven't taken delivery of it yet.
#7
Registered User
Hey all! First time poster, be kind to me!
Looking to pick up a 92 SR5 4x4 automatic with 3VZ-E engine. Truck has 156k on the clock. It was originally a California car, was shipped over to Japan at some point and was recently brought back to the US. Truck has a few minor mods as well as 37 inch tires / 22 inch rims that were mounted along with like a 6 inch body lift.
I checked it out the other day but I'm wondering about a few things. The truck ran well and seemed to shift ok but didn't have much pickup. I hear these engines can be dogs, and with the 37s on there, maybe that's adding to the sluggish nature? It doesn't run rough or stutter or anything, just lacks acceleration. I was wondering if maybe the gearing was changed at some point or if it's just the large wheels / tires bringing down the power.
Also, the engine sounded smooth, but a little chattery underneath, couldn't tell where the noises was coming from. Should they be pretty quiet if they are healthy? Body and frame are super solid. A/C doesn't work either, button light comes on but no compressor action. What could I look for regarding that?
Any tips for me if I decide to check it out again in person before making a decision? Maybe have him throw on some normal wheels/tires to see what that feels like? Any signs to look for regarding a unhealthy engine / transmission? It's about 1hr 15 min from me so I'd like to be more thorough the next time I go.
Thanks!
Looking to pick up a 92 SR5 4x4 automatic with 3VZ-E engine. Truck has 156k on the clock. It was originally a California car, was shipped over to Japan at some point and was recently brought back to the US. Truck has a few minor mods as well as 37 inch tires / 22 inch rims that were mounted along with like a 6 inch body lift.
I checked it out the other day but I'm wondering about a few things. The truck ran well and seemed to shift ok but didn't have much pickup. I hear these engines can be dogs, and with the 37s on there, maybe that's adding to the sluggish nature? It doesn't run rough or stutter or anything, just lacks acceleration. I was wondering if maybe the gearing was changed at some point or if it's just the large wheels / tires bringing down the power.
Also, the engine sounded smooth, but a little chattery underneath, couldn't tell where the noises was coming from. Should they be pretty quiet if they are healthy? Body and frame are super solid. A/C doesn't work either, button light comes on but no compressor action. What could I look for regarding that?
Any tips for me if I decide to check it out again in person before making a decision? Maybe have him throw on some normal wheels/tires to see what that feels like? Any signs to look for regarding a unhealthy engine / transmission? It's about 1hr 15 min from me so I'd like to be more thorough the next time I go.
Thanks!
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#8
Registered User
You could consider a 5vz and r150 swap if you got the money and know how but I would still recommend changing the gears or going back down to almost stock tire size
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